Overview of Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest river in the world. With a length of 6,300 kilometres (3,915 miles) it flows through China’s provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, and Shandong, as well as Hong Kong and Macau before emptying into the East China Sea near Shanghai. It is known as the Chang Jiang in Mandarin Chinese, but is commonly referred to as the “Yangtze” in South and Southeast Asia. The Yangtze River is one of the most important links for trade and transportation in the region.
Economic and Environmental Impact of Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is an integral part of the Chinese economy. It provides an inexpensive form of transportation for goods from the interior provinces to ports on the coast. It is regarded as the “lifeblood” of China and its importance to the country is reflected in the large number of factories, workshops and warehouses that line its banks. It has been estimated that the Yangtze River generates roughly 15% of the total GDP of China.
The Yangtze River is not only important economically but is also home to a vast diversity of fish and other wildlife. Over 300 different species of fish inhabit the river and are an important food source for millions of people. It also provides habitats for numerous endangered species, such as the Chinese alligator and the finless porpoise.
However, the Yangtze River has long been subject to environmental damage, caused by a variety of factors. The most serious of these is the construction of dams and other large infrastructure projects, which disrupt the river’s natural flow and have caused habitat loss. A further threat comes from water pollution, caused by industrial and domestic waste water, which has led to the death of many species of fish.
The Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam ever built. It is located on the Yangtze River and spans 2.3 kilometres (1.4 miles) across the river between the cities of Yichang and Chongqing, in central-western China. The Three Gorges Dam was originally proposed in 1919 by Sun Yat-sen as a way to control flooding and as an additional source of hydroelectric power. Construction of the dam began in 1994 and was completed in 2009.
The Three Gorges Dam is a controversial project, with both proponents and opponents citing environmental, economic and social concerns. Proponents of the dam argue that it is a necessary measure to address the problem of flooding along the Yangtze and to generate electricity from renewable sources. Opponents argue that the dam will lead to widespread ecological destruction, forcing millions of people to relocate and disrupting the migratory paths of fish.
China’s High-Speed Railways
High-speed railways, or “bullet trains”, have been a major development in China, with the longest high-speed rail route running along the Yangtze River. China has one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in the world, with plans to extend the network even further. High-speed rail is increasingly seen as a fast and convenient way to move people and goods, with some routes running at up to 350 km/h (220 mph).
The high-speed rail network has had a significant impact on the region, improving access to employment, leisure and education for those living along it. In addition, the increased speed has enabled people to travel longer distances in a shorter amount of time, connecting cities and towns that were previously difficult to reach. It has also been estimated that high-speed rail can reduce CO2 emissions by over 10 million tons each year.
Yangtze River Cruise
A Yangtze River cruise is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China, providing an opportunity to explore the river and its surrounding landscapes. The Yangtze River is an important part of Chinese culture and history, and cruising along its banks offers a unique way to experience it. Many of the cruise tours stop at various towns and cities along the river such as Chongqing, Yichang, Wuhan and Shanghai, and visit famous attractions such as the Three Gorges Dam and the Mount Qomolangma Nature Reserve.
Passengers on a Yangtze River cruise can enjoy a range of activities such as river rafting, hiking and biking, visiting cultural sites and even participating in optional activities such as cooking classes, tai chi and yoga classes. There are a variety of vessels available for cruising the river, from luxury vessels offering all-inclusive packages to smaller, more affordable river rafts.
Fishing in Yangtze River
Fishing is an important part of the economy of the Yangtze region, with fishing vessels operated by both professional and amateur fishermen. For centuries, the Yangtze River has been regarded as an important source of food for local communities, and fish have traditionally been abundant in the river. The Yangtze is home to over 300 species of fish, such as catfish, sturgeon and yellow eels.
The fishing industry along the Yangtze has suffered in recent years due to overfishing, pollution and the construction of dams and other large infrastructure projects. The Chinese government has been attempting to address these issues, introducing quotas and limits on fishing activities in the region. It has also forged agreements with neighbouring countries for joint conservation and management of shared species of fish.
Conservation Efforts
The Chinese government has also taken steps to protect the Yangtze River and its ecosystems. In 2006, the Chinese government launched the “Three Rivers Source Protection” campaign, which aims to protect the Yangtze and two other major rivers in China. The campaign includes efforts to reduce pollution, restore habitats and conserve species.
In addition, the Chinese government has introduced a number of laws and regulations, such as those restricting productions of problematic pollutants and waste. There have also been some success stories, such as the reintroduction of the Chinese Alligator and the breeding of endangered species of fish, eels, and crabs.
Alternative Name for Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is known by various local names throughout its course. In Mandarin Chinese it is known as the Chang Jiang; in English and other foreign languages it is usually referred to as the “Yangtze”. In Korean it is known as the Cheongjin River, in Japanese as the Seiko-zan River and in Vietnamese it is called the Côn Ðảo.
In fact, the Yangtze River goes by many different names in Chinese. For example, it is often referred to as the “Old Dragon River” in reference to the mythical figure said to live at its head and “Long River” referring to its impressive length. Other names include the “Jingjiang River”, the “Jianghe River” and the “Yangzong River”, depending on the local dialect.
Conclusion
The Yangtze River is one of the longest rivers in the world and is an integral part of the Chinese economy. It is home to a vast diversity of wildlife and is an important resource for the people of China. The river is subject to environmental damage caused by a variety of factors, including the construction of dams and other large infrastructure projects, as well as pollution from industrial and domestic waste water. Various preservation efforts are being implemented, such as the “Three Rivers Source Protection” campaign, aimed at protecting the Yangtze and other major rivers in China. The Yangtze is known by many different names, including the “Old Dragon River”, the “Jingjiang River” and the “Jianghe River”.
